There are several ways to use solar power for applications such as water pumping or motorized appliances: Low voltage direct trom paralleled PV-moduies: higher voltage irom series string PV-modules. or conversion of the DC to AC for AC powered motors. Low voltage direct requires conductors with sufficient ampacity which can significantly increase cost, especially over any distance. Series string, high voltage means a highly variable voltage presented to the device as the MPPT of the array changes constantly....
The integration of renewable energy with utility grid or generators is rapidly evolving. This is being accelerated by the building of cell phone infrastructures in emerging countries as well as the replacement of cell phone towers cut on Irom grid power sources following natural disasters such as hurricanes. Iires and such.
This preliminary design lor The Digital Microgrid Initiative is tor use in energy arbitrage, back-up power, line quality mitigation or peak shaving. The AC power is received from the grid when prices are lowest and is converted to 380Vdc which is stored in the batteries. When power is needed trom the batteries it is converted back to AC with the inverter. Additional power from solar, wind or generators can be blended in as desired.